Introduction

The Town of Coeymans Court is responsible for adjudicating matters involving traffic infractions, criminal citations, civil suits, local law code violations and small claims actions occurring in the Town of Coeymans.

The Court has two Town Justices with rotating presiding sessions; the Honorable George Dardani, whose current term expires December 31, 2017 and, the Honorable Kevin J. Reilly, whose current term expires December 31, 2014.

Location And Directions

The Coeymans Town Court is located in the Town of Coeymans Town Hall, 18 Russell Avenue, Ravena NY 12143.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Court sessions open to the public?

Yes.

2. What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?

There are a few options when getting a traffic ticket. On the back of the yellow ticket given by the officer is what is called a plea by mail. If you wish to plead guilty you may sign and date part A pleading guilty and the Court will mail you back a notice of fine. If you wish to plead not guilty you may sign and date part B pleading not guilty and you will be scheduled for a vehicle and traffic trial. If you have an E-Ticket, all of the above applies, with the exception that the information is on the front, right side.

If you do not wish to plea by mail but rather you would like to speak to a judge then you must appear on the date that is listed on the front of your ticket at the bottom of your ticket. Please note that most tickets you can mail in your plea, however there are some exceptions. All misdemeanor tickets must appear in Court. If there is a question on whether you were charged with a misdemeanor you may contact the court for clarification.

3. What do I do if I get a parking ticket?

You may mail your fine into the court, or you can appear, and speak to a Judge.

4. How do I file a small claim?

In order to file a small claim in our Court , the person whom you are suing must either live or work in the Town of Coeymans. In other words the address you provide the court must be located in the Town. You do need an exact address, you can not use a PO Box. The amount of your claim can not exceed $3,000.

Once you have this information you may file the paperwork at the Court Office during normal office hours. The court does not have jurisdictions over corporations or partnerships, those claims must be filed in Albany Court. The Court may hear cases brought by DBA's provided they show proof that they are in fact a DBA.

5. How do I get a public defender?

In order to obtain a public defender you must financially qualify and be appointed such counsel by the Court. An attorney from the Albany County Public Defenders Office is present during Court time. The Office of the Public Defender is located at 60 South Pearl St. in Albany. You may contact the Public Defenders Office by phone at (518) 447-7150, or visit the Public Defenders Office website.

6. What do I do if I get a suspension notice?

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified by the Court if for a period of 60 days from the return date, last adjournment date, or the date a fine/surcharge imposed by the Court was due, you failed to appear or to pay the fine/surcharge.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is not authorized to terminate a suspension for failure to appear or to pay a fine/surcharge until they are notified by the Court that you have paid a $70.00 or $35.00 Scofflaw Suspension Termination Fee, depending on the suspension date of the citation, and appeared in Court or paid the fine/surcharge. The suspension Termination Fee is not payable if you appear or pay the fine/surcharge before the suspension date indicated on the form. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles also recommends that motorists carry their copy of the suspension release for at least 6 months.

You should immediately contact the court to determine the reason for the suspension. If the suspension is for failing to pay a fine the payment should be remitted to the Court. If the suspension is for failing to answer the summons then you may be able to mail in a plea and payment, or you may need to appear in court, depending on the ticket.

7. How can I pay my fine?

The Court accepts cash, money order, certified check, IN US FUNDS ONLY as payment. The Court does not accept personal checks. Please make your money order or certified check payable to the "Town of Coeymans Court." The court now accepts credit cards: VISA and MASTERCARD ONLY. NOTICE OF CREDIT CARD FEE: All Payments made via credit card are subject to a 2.99% service fee. Upon payment a court receipt will be issued. If you are not paying in person and wish to have the receipt mailed to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope for return.

8. APPLICATION for REDUCTION of CHARGES

The Town Prosecutor is responsible for all traffic infractions occurring in the Town of Coeymans. If you have been charged with a traffic infraction and you DO NOT WISH to hire an attorney, you may represent yourself BUT your personal appearance is required.

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to speak to the Town Prosecutor regarding a traffic violation, please schedule a conference with the Court Clerk. NO phone conferences are allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS.